Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari commit early to Australia’s United Cup 2025

·

Greece’s [12] Stefanos Tsitsipas and [9] Maria Sakkari, China’s [7] Zheng Qinwen and Norway’s [9] Casper Ruud have all committed early to the 2025 edition of the United Cup.

From Friday 27 December to Sunday 5 January, eighteen countries, featuring up to three men and up to three women, will compete across Perth and Sydney for the coveted trophy.

Team Greece will make their third appearance at the innovative mixed team tennis tournament and crowd favourite Tsitsipas is keen to return.

“Representing Team Greece in a team competition like that at the beginning of the year is something that allows me to be really patriotic and start the year very strong,” Tsitsipas said.

“The team we have built with Maria (Sakkari) over the last few years is definitely one that gives us a lot of opportunities to go big and create a lot of damage on the field.

“Getting the opportunity to have a lot of good individuals within one team gives us lot of motivation and a lot of reasons to go out there and fight for our best.

“Knowing that we come from a country rich in history and good traditions and values when it comes to sports is an extra reason to go out there and represent tennis, try and do as good as we can to uplift tennis and bring its highest value in our country.”

The Greeks qualified for the United Cup semifinals in 2023 and in 2024 advanced to the quarterfinals, falling to eventual champions Germany.

Australian Open 2024 finalist Zheng Qinwen’s WTA ranking has ensured Team China’s qualification.

“I’m delighted to be able to qualify China again for the United Cup,” said Zheng, the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist.

“The United Cup presents a unique opportunity to play for our country in a mixed team environment, similar to the Olympics, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this experience together.”

United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow is pleased four top 15 players have been able to commit to the tournament this early.

“We are absolutely thrilled to see Stefanos Tsitsipas, Maria Sakkari, Zheng Qinwen and Casper Ruud commit to the United Cup – their early commitment is a testament to the quality of the event,” Farrow said.

Tsitsipas and Sakkari qualified Greece at the first two editions of the United Cup. They are both fan favourites and are looking forward to starting their year with us in 2025.

“The Greek fans in both Perth and Sydney have supported the United Cup with great passion. They bring an unrivaled energy in support of their country’s biggest sporting stars, which is the essence of the United Cup.

“Zheng has had an incredible 2024 – she reached the final of the Australian Open in January, won gold in Paris and has maintained her top 10 ranking throughout the year. She’s a great player and a big personality and it’s fantastic to welcome her back to the United Cup.

“Casper Ruud’s consistent results on the tour has again allowed Norway to secure their position at the United Cup for another year. Ruud’s early commitment recognises the value in participating in global team competitions.”

The official draw will be held on Monday 21 October and will determine which city Greece, China and Norway will contest the United Cup Group Stage.

Participation in the United Cup is subject to players committing by the tournament’s entry deadline of 16 October for the first 16 teams. The remaining two teams will be decided after the second qualification date of 19 November.

Ten countries will qualify for the United Cup via the five highest-ranked men and five highest-ranked women entered based on their PIF ATP and WTA rankings.

Eight teams will qualify according to the best combined ranking of the highest-ranked men’s and women’s players from the same country.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Maria Sakkari becomes first Greek woman to reach French Open semi-final

Maria Sakkari defeated Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-4 to become the first Greek woman to reach a Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open on Wednesday.

Greek language initiative for football students at Malvern City FC begins

The Greek language and culture classes of the Greek Community of Melbourne began on March 2 at the premises of Malvern City football club.

Israel signs deal to lease drones to Greece for border defence

Israel will be leasing drones to Greece for the protection of its borders under a three-year agreement signed on Wednesday.